Skills Training for People Experiencing Poverty
Partnership with The Mustard Seed
The CLAC Foundation has partnered with The Mustard Seed to deliver skills and safety training to people experiencing poverty and homelessness in Alberta. Through funds provided by the foundation, CLAC Training has been able to offer The Mustard Seed clients with in-class courses, field training, and trade certifications since 2016 at no cost.
Hundreds of street-entrenched individuals and individuals at risk for homelessness have received certifications in essential health and safety courses such as first aid and CPR, fall protection, and confined space entry. They’ve taken courses in industrial and heavy equipment operation such as multiple types of forklift training, skid-steer, and zoom boom. In addition, individuals gained access to all online certifications such as WHMIS, CSTS (construction safety training system) and BBS (behaviour-based safety) required for work in any skilled labour position.
From April 2018 to October 2018 alone, more than 100 people obtained training and certifications from this partnership. During that time, 311 Mustard Seed clients successfully found part-time and full-time positions.
About The Mustard Seed
The Mustard Seed has been serving people experiencing poverty and homelessness in Alberta since the 1980s. Based in Calgary, with locations in Edmonton, Red Deer, and Kamloops, BC, it helps to meet the basic needs of shelter, food, clothing, and acceptance for men and women experiencing poverty, and works with them to find sustainable housing, employment, or whatever they need. The Mustard Seed’s holistic, multifaceted approach focuses on “building community, growing hope, and supporting change” and improving each person’s physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Recognizing that the root cause of poverty and homelessness are complex and diverse, The Mustard Seed’s Employment Centre was established to challenge the stereotypes and stigmas of homelessness and assist individuals in making lasting change. Its fully mobile team of employment coaches provides support to those currently experiencing poverty and/or homelessness, working to diminish barriers to employment and facilitate job placement.
In addition to providing support in finding work, The Mustard Seed provides vital ongoing support to both the employer and the employee during the transition into new work situations. It believes that all individuals, homeless or not, have strengths and skills to bring to the workplace.
